Sanity by Insanity

Grieving with a two year old.
Hmmm.

Two years olds...


Scream for cookies at wakes.
Dance at funerals.
Jump on the bed you've chosen to stay in until the pain stops.
Bring their teddy bears to kiss you when you're crying.
Sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star at the top of their lungs during very emotional moments.
Pick the flowers by the casket and hand them out to the teary family.
Smile and wave at pictures of your loved one when everyone else is crying.
Insist on hearing Good Night Moon, two more times when you are EXHAUSTED (maybe that's just my two year old).

You know, just generally refuse to allow you to be sad.

I have seen each and everyone of my family members laugh at something Isaiah did these past few difficult weeks. In fact, my mom laughed out loud this week when she stayed with me when Isaiah kissed her face and said, "Bye Mommy (to me), Bye Daddy (to my husband) going to Grandma's house." My nephew, who is one, had the same affect - Screaming for the phone (his favorite toy) when I was making difficult calls to notify people of the news, putting his little face up for a kiss when you had decided to just feel the pain for a bit...

Children are a constant reminder that life goes on. Tommy loved his nephews and he loved the innocence of being a kid. When I wake up in the morning and consider staying in bed, I remember how much Tommy looked forward to them being happy children - playing pretend, driving those little kid four wheelers, watching Disney movies, playing with action figures - those wonderful moments unique to childhood. Then I remember - simply, my grief may change my life forever, but I don't want it to change their lives. Mommy loves you. pickle and Auntie loves you, X. Below is a video of Isaiah dancing to I Like to Move it (his favorite song) in the kitchen this morning while I was making breakfast):